Why Did Traffic Deaths Rise in 2016?

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving caused 10,497 fatalities and was the leading cause of reckless driving, the leading area for traffic deaths in 2016. Throughout Florida, the blood or breath alcohol limit is 0.08 for drivers over the age of 21; for drivers under 21, the limit is 0.02 with more severe penalties.

Speeding

The amount of time saved by speeding rarely counters the human cost of accidents caused by speeding. Speeding-related traffic fatalities rose by four percent in 2016, killing 10,111 people.

Wearing Headphones or Earbuds

You see it every day on the road – other motorists and cyclists wearing headphones or earbuds while driving a vehicle. Yet, unless you need a hearing aid or other hearing improvement device, it’s illegal to wear headphones, earbuds, or other listening devices while driving in Florida. Many other states have no restrictions on them, but it’s best to stay distraction-free while driving as much as possible and ditch the headphones or earbuds.

Talking on the Phone, Even Hands-Free

Though Florida has no law against using a cell phone while driving, even hand-held, it’s still distracted driving. A 2016 study published in the journal Transportation Research found when drivers used hands-free or Bluetooth technology to talk on the phone while driving, they were still focusing more on the conversation than driving.

Texting and Emailing

Smartphones almost ensure we’re always connected to our personal and professional lives. But when trying to attend to business or life while driving with your smartphone, it can have devastating results. Most states, including Florida, have made texting, emailing, or manually typing into a wireless device a primary or secondary offense. In Florida, it’s a secondary offense, but you can still receive points against your license if it’s a second offense, it occurred in a school zone, and/or the action resulted in a crash. And though there are apps available to block your ability to text, email, and surf the internet while driving with your smartphone, no app is as effective as the conscientious decision not to do it.

Keep Your Focus On Driving

When you multi-task, especially behind-the-wheel, your focus is divided among multiple things and not on the task at hand – driving.

Be Defensive

We hear about defensive driving all the time, but practicing it is even more important. Driving defensively is simply being aware of what the drivers around you are doing and expecting the unexpected. Keep a two to three second gap between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. If the weather is bad, such as rain, increase this gap to four to five seconds.

Plan & Plan Ahead

It may seem easy to eat a burger or enjoy a to-go coffee while driving, but it’s still distracted driving. When driving and/or traveling, build in or allow time to stop for eating. Also, if you need to adjust the seat, mirrors, or climate controls in your vehicle, do so before driving down the road.

Live & Let Live

If the Kleenex box slides from the passenger seat to the floor at a stop light, let it go until you’ve reached your destination. Have any toll or garage fees or passes within easy reach before you begin driving. And always drive sober and wear your seat belt.